Notes for a discussion on culture, popular multura, popular music

Abstract

This article analyses the intersection between culture, popular culture and popular music, focusing on the case of the Quito Symphonic Band and its approach to Culture Theory. The dichotomy between the "National Culture" imposed by the dominant group and the "National-Popular Culture" that emerges from spontaneous social creativity is explored. The paper examines how state-based national culture is shaped through institutions and regulations, while popular culture reflects social contradictions and dynamics of change. The influence of popular music, which evolves from the living conditions of subaltern sectors and its interaction with national culture, is discussed. The characteristics of urban popular music, such as its changing nature and assimilation process, are highlighted. The article proposes topics for future research, such as the impact of technology and globalization on popular music.